Community & Business
4 March, 2026
Six decades of the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival... and counting
Apple and Grape Festival
The Stanthorpe garden beds were as ready as the organisers, in full colour to enjoy the opening of, and later events for, the 60th anniversary of the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival.
Friday night, February 27 had visitors, and an energetic group of locals out enjoying the streetscape and official opening by festival president, Russell Wantling.
Next-day, early morning buskers lined Maryland Street to sing out their passion for all things musical and an estimated 500 people where present close to midday, spilling over the sidewalks. Local outlets confirmed the high traffic for the busking with a 200-strong crowd at the afternoon's concert at the Civic Centre and Nine Year Sister, who themselves were buskers only six years ago, enjoying the stage as examples of a band who'd been helped immeasurably by the busking opportunity.
Local lads, Paper Sons took out "Best Band" and Mary Roberts, mum to two of them, Patrick and William, said they were as proud as they could be of the band who'd worked hard to get there.
"We're very proud ... (and) very grateful for all the support they've received," she told our newspaper. "Our boys have been incredibly fortunate to have had their love of music cultivated over the years by some incredible local music teachers and musicians, notably Nat McCosker and Dave Hume, and opportunities like the Border District Eisteddfod."
We asked the lads how they feel about being "local rock stars" but it seems they're not as aligned with the title as others.
The sold out Banchetto and Harvest Festival service, both on March 1, were also appreciated, with many reports as to how enjoyable these cornerstone festival events are.
A full week of more colour is to be enjoyed after our deadline on March 2, with festival high points on March 7 and 8, including the iconic 2pm parade (Saturday) that will live long in the hearts and minds of locals and visitors alike.
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